Nicosia, Cyprus. Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas on Tuesday denied reports that he plans to leave Dipa after the party lost all its seats in Sunday’s parliamentary election, despite rumours that he was considering returning to Diko.
Denial of exit rumours
“I have not learned in my life to flee from difficult times. The party bodies will sit down to discuss the outcome. I declare myself present inside Dipa because it may be perceived that I am backpedalling. I am not backpedalling for as long as Dipa is here,” he told a news website reporter.
He added that “in these difficult times, [Dipa] needs all its people, especially those who hold positions” and that as such, “I am present, I am not running away”.
Suggestion of reunification
Despite denying any intention to leave, Palmas said it may be time for Dipa and Diko to reunite. Dipa split from Diko in 2018, when a group of Diko members led by Marios Garoyian said party leader Nicholas Papadopoulos’ stance on the Cyprus problem was too hardline.
“The issue of unifying the space in between is another big issue which should concern us, and we should put together a roadmap to see the prospects for reunification,” Palmas said on Tuesday.
Political background
Palmas was initially a member of Diko, serving as leader of the party’s youth wing and later as secretary-general. He then worked as director of the late president Tassos Papadopoulos’ press office and as government spokesman between 2007 and 2008.
He later served as deputy minister to the president under Nicos Anastasiades between 2017 and 2022, leaving that government alongside Nikos Christodoulides to support his campaign ahead of the 2023 presidential election.
Palmas joined Dipa in 2021. Dipa, along with Diko and Edek, supported Christodoulides’ 2023 campaign and his government.
